Corinthians could face Lucas Veríssimo after contentious 2024 exit | OneFootball

Corinthians visit Santos on Sunday in the fifth round of the Brasileiro, a derby that could reunite them with Lucas Veríssimo after his contentious 2024 exit.

According to Meu Timao, in January 2024 under then-president Augusto Melo, Corinthians agreed an 8 million euro deal with Benfica and sent a four-year contract about two weeks before his departure, but it went unsigned amid outside interest.

On the eve of that year’s Paulista opener he missed training with reported knee pain. Hours later his move to Al-Duhail in Qatar was confirmed, after the club covered Corinthians’ proposal to Benfica.

A later club note said a pre-contract had been emailed but no reply arrived. Benfica negotiated directly with Al-Duhail and Corinthians did not match the transfer fee and salary on offer.

Director Rubens Gomes said the contract had gone to the player and his agent but the agreement was not formalised. Melo later admitted failings in the handling and pointed to communication issues.

Loaned in August 2023 until July 2024, Veríssimo became a starter and played 18 times, with nine draws, five wins and four defeats. He later made 42 appearances for Al-Duhail, then joined Al-Wakrah on loan.

Amid recent Middle East conflict, he sought an exit and was sold to Santos for 4 million euros, about R$ 24.4 million. He is registered with the CBF’s BID and eligible, and on arrival on Thursday night he said he wants to face Corinthians.

Source: Meu Timao